Listen My Son

My Mother

Listen my son, to your father's instruction and do not forget your mother's teaching.  Proverbs 1:8-9

     Before I had children, I was sure how I would raise them.  I would lead them with a firm, but steady hand.  Discipline would take the form of dispensing asked for advice which my children would always treasure and follow.  I would create a functional and organized home, rich in love and tranquility.  Then  our first son was born and the crayon was on the wall.

My Mother-In-Law

     If you ask my children who provides them with the most lectures and unsolicited advice - my husband or I -  big surprise, they will unanimously agree that it is me.  But I like to think that I am giving them instruction for life.  Here are some of the things that I have actually said over the years with an accompanying scripture which may have worked just as well.

     Just wait until your Father gets home!  And now dear children, continue in Him, so that when He appears we may be confident and unashamed before him at his coming.  1 John 2:28

     Don't sit so close to the TV or you will hurt your eyes!  Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things.  Phil. 4:8

     Put a sweater on!  I'm cold!  Put on the full armor of  God so that you can take your stand against the devil's schemes.  Ephesians 6:10

     You want me to get a tattoo???  If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault...  James 1:5

     What do you mean you lost your sock?  What happened to your pants?  Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give an account.  Hebrews 4:13

     You need to study for the test tomorrow!   Do you not realize that Jesus Christ is in you - unless, of course, you fail the test!  2 Cor. 13:5

     Get out of that bed!  You're going to miss the bus!  How long will you lie there you sluggard?  When will you get up from your sleep?  Proverbs 6:9

     That is a skinned knee.  We only scream like that if bones are poking through the skin, or for profuse bleeding.  See you are well again.  Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you.  John 5:14

     Don't drink Mommy's coffee.  The last thing you need is caffeine.  Do not worry about what you will eat or drink...Is life not more than food?  Matthew 6:25

     You got that right!  You will apologize for your behavior!  You have answered correctly.  Do this and you will live.  Luke 10:28

     In case you were wondering, these are all actual scriptures...some, perhaps, taken a bit out of context.

     A Prayer of Jesus: I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of this world.  They were yours; You gave them to me and they have obeyed your word.  Now they know that everything you have given me came through you.  For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them.  I pray for them.  I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours.  All I have is yours...Holy Father protect them by the power of your name.  While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me.  My prayer is not that you take them out of this world, but that you protect them from the evil one.  Sanctify them by the truth, your word is truth.  As you sent me into the world, so I send them into this world.  ~ John 17:6-18

     Happy Mother's Day!!!